The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.
Read it in contextIsrael’s Great Misery
Start reading at Micah 7:1 (Micah 7:1 to Micah 7:6).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement presses the LORD's case, describes communal corruption, and ends in hope and praise for forgiving mercy.
7:1Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.
7:2The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.
7:3That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.
7:4The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.
7:5Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.
7:6For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Micah of Moresheth is the named prophet and traditional author. Biblical references: Micah 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Micah 6:1–7:20): The LORD's case is presented to His people; Micah speaks of the community's corruption and expresses hope, prayer, and praise on Israel's behalf. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Samaria and Jerusalem, including their rulers, prophets, and people, with an appeal heard by the wider nations. Biblical references: Micah 1:1; Micah 1:2; Micah 3:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Israel’s Great Misery. Read Micah 7:1 through Micah 7:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement presses the LORD's case, describes communal corruption, and ends in hope and praise for forgiving mercy. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Micah's opening names the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The book announces both judgment and later hope. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The vision concerns Samaria and Jerusalem and includes references to towns of Judah, Zion, and Bethlehem. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Israel’s Great Misery (Micah 7:1 to Micah 7:6).
Start reading at Micah 7:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Matthew cites the Bethlehem ruler passage in the account of Jesus' birth. Keep the surrounding themes of judgment, shepherding, and peace in view when making that connection. See Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5, Matthew 2:6. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Practice justice, mercy, and humble walking with God. Read that appeal within the covenant case rather than reducing it to a slogan detached from the book's accusations. interpretation
Cited: Micah 7:1, Micah 7:6, Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5, Matthew 2:6
Who wrote it, and how we know
MicahNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the word of the LORD that came to Micah. Micah 1:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Micah 7
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Micah's opening locates his vision concerning Samaria and Jerusalem in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The book alternates indictment and hope rather than presenting one undifferentiated promise. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The closing movement presses the LORD's case, describes communal corruption, and ends in hope and praise for forgiving mercy.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The closing movement presses the LORD's case, describes communal corruption, and ends in hope and praise for forgiving mercy.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Micah
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Micah's opening locates his vision concerning Samaria and Jerusalem in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The book alternates indictment and hope rather than presenting one undifferentiated promise.
Connection to the wholeThe opening messages expose the conduct bringing judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem, including the failures of rulers and prophets.
Connection to the wholePromises concerning Zion and the ruler from Bethlehem appear alongside conflict and purification, carrying hope beyond the announced judgment.